History of HIC

The Handbell Industry Council (HIC) was organized in August 1984, as a result of the 1983 resolution passed by the National Board of The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Inc (AGEHR). The HIC is the official liaison between the members of The Guild and those firms and individuals who have a business interested in the manufacturing of handbells and/or handchimes, handbell music publishers, distributors and dealers, and those businesses supplying materials and services related to handbell and/or handchimes.

HIC was incorporated in the state of South Carolina in 1988. In January of 1990 we were recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(6) organization and, as such, we are exempt from federal income tax.

The primary objectives of HIC are to serve as the communications vehicle between Handbell Musicians of America and the business community and among companies with handbell interests, to develop, promote, and manage all commercial displays at national Handbell Musicians of America events as defined in the Guild/HIC Partnership Agreement, to develop additional ways for The Guild and HIC to more effectively serve handbell ringers and directors, and to serve in an advisory capacity to the Handbell Musicians of America Executive Director and to Handbell Musicians of America Area Boards when requested.